Monthly Archives: May 2015

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN THEATRE (MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2015)

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(Be sure to visit our monthly theatre calendar by clicking on “Events Calendar.”)

TERRACE PLAZA PLAYHOUSE, Annie Get Your Gun, book by Dorothy Fields, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, Annie Oakley is the best shot around, when she’s discovered by Buffalo Bill he persuades her to join his Wild West Show, where she falls head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show, through May 30, 7:30 p.m., 99 E. 4700 South, Ogden, $12-$14 general, $11-$13 seniors/students, $9-$11 children (12 and under), 801-393-0070, http://terraceplayhouse.com.

THE ECHO THEATRE, Lucky Stiff, music by Stephen Flaherty, book and lyrics by Lynn Ahens, Harry, a down and out shoe salesman, finds one day he has inherited a large sum of money upon the death of a previously unknown uncle, Uncle Anthony’s only condition is that Harry must take his corpse on the trip of a lifetime to Monte Carlo, fulfilling his every desire or the fortune will be donated to charity, and they aren’t the only ones dying to get their paws on the money, join Harry as he navigates Monte Carlo, crossing paths with a boisterous Italian, a representative of the charity, and some shady characters from Uncle Anthony’s past, through May 30, 7:30 p.m., 15 N. 100 East, Provo, $10 general (in advance), $12 (day of), $9 students, $8 seniors, $8 general (matinee performance), 801-375-2181, www.theechotheatre.com.

DESERT STAR PLAYHOUSE, Into The Hoods: A Fractured Fairy Tale, through June 6, 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. performances, 4861 S. State Street, Murray, $18.95 adults, $10.95 children (11 years and under), www.desertstar.biz.

THE OFF BROADWAY THEATRE, The Revengers, by Rob MacArthur, this musical comedy parody tells the story of a group of American superheroes who fight mythological gods, and hopefully come out on top…gods bless America, through June 6, 7:30 p.m., 272 S. Main, $10-$16, 801-355-4628, www.theobt.org.

HALE CENTRE THEATRE-OREM, Big Fish, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, book by John August, based on the novel by Daniel Wallace, and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August, Edward Bloom is a traveling salesman whose impossible stories of fantastical adventures aggravate his son, Will, as Edward’s fate is revealed, Will embarks on his own journey to uncover the man behind the myth, and the truth behind his father’s tales, through June 20, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances, $16-$22 general, $12-$16 children, 801-226-8600, www.haletheater.org.

UTAH CHILDREN’S THEATRE, Winnie the Pooh, come visit the Hundred Acre Wood and laugh alongside Winnie the Pooh and his friends Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Roo, Kanga, Owl, Rabbit and Christopher Robin as they have the silliest of adventures, based on the beloved book by A.A. Milne, May 29-30, 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances, 3605 S. State St., $14 general, 801-532-6000, www.uctheatre.org.

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, Princess Academy (world premiere), family appropriate play is based on the book by Shannon Hale, adapted for the stage by Lisa Hall Hagen, directed by Megan Sanborn Jones, taken from her home to attend royal finishing school, Miri faces a harsh schoolmistress, fierce storms, and bandits, but soon discovers the power of friendship and a loving heart, May 29-30, June 4-6, 10-13, 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on May 30, June 4, 6, 12-13, Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, $12 general, $3-$4 off with BYU or student ID, $2 off for seniors/BYU alumni, 801-422-4322, www.arts.byu.edu.

GRASSROOTS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, Summer Tour 2015, Julius Caesar and The Comedy of Errors, June 1-July 6, various times and various venues, $3 suggested donation per person, www.grassrootsshakespeare.com.

YOUNG GERMAN VIOLINIST VERONIKA EBERLE IMPRESSIVE IN UTAH SYMPHONY DEBUT

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UTAH SYMPHONY, Abravanel Hall, May 22; second performance 8 p.m. May 23, tickets at 801-355-2787, 888-451-2787 or www.utahsymphony.org 

The 26-year-old German violinist Veronika Eberle, making her Utah Symphony debut this weekend, possesses a beautiful tone that is round, sonorous and rich in overtones. With Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto as her debut vehicle Eberle was able to show off her remarkably lyrical side.

Veronika Eberle (Photo Credit: Bernd Noelle)

One of the composer’s most melodic works, the First gives the soloist the opportunity to explore her expressive side as few 20th century concertos do. In many ways it’s a throwback to the 19th century because of this aspect, yet it nevertheless is a work that belies the period in which Shostakovich wrote it (the 1940s).

Not only is it lyrical, but the First is also intense in its expressions and charged with a profound emotional palette (after all, it is by Shostakovich). And Eberle certainly knew how to get the most out of it. Her account was thoughtful and well considered and did full justice to the intent of the score.

Music director Thierry Fischer and the orchestra mirrored Eberle’s approach. Fischer elicited finely crafted and nuanced playing from his ensemble that was as sensitive and well intentioned as the soloist’s. This was an exceptional and first rate collaboration.

Rounding out the program this weekend is Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with popular local soprano Celena Shafer singing the final movement.

Fischer captured the humor and charm of the work with his well conceived interpretation that embraced its quiet energy and flowing lines. The orchestra played with finely molded lyricism and expressiveness; and the many solo passages were well played, in particular concertmaster Ralph Matson’s extended solos in the second, Ländler-like, movement.

In the closing movement Shafer embraced the wit and vivid imagery of the text with her usual flair and technical self assuredness.

As a programmed encore, Shafer sang Richard Strauss’ lush and romantic song Morgen! with great feeling and tenderness. And Matson’s solo playing offered a delightful counterpoint to the vocal line.